(RxWiki News) There is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but there are new treatments. A new once daily treatment shows promise in improving lung function in COPD sufferers.
In a clinical trial, Relovair (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) has been shown to be a safe treatment for COPD. Relovair was effective in improving lung function in COPD when compared to a placebo.
This can give patients another tool in improving their life with COPD.
"Ask your doctor about new COPD treatments."
The trial was led by Dr. Jan Lotvall from the Krefting Research Centre at University of Gothenburg. The clinical trial included 60 patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Researchers selected 40 patients to receive a daily dose of Relovair and 20 patients were given a placebo for four weeks.
Relovair is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is currently in development as a replacement for Advair. Relovair has undergone clinical trials and GlaxoSmithKline is planning to file Relovair for approval in mid 2012.
Relovair is a combined therapy which incorporates a long-acting asthma medication and an inhaled corticosteroid.
Relovair was found to be a safe treatment for the use of COPD based on the trial data. Out of the 40 patients receiving Relovair, nine had some type of side effect due to the medication. The common cold was the most common side effect from Relovair with three patients getting sick. Oral candidiasis, an infection on the mucus membranes of the mouth, and voice impairment. No deaths were reported.
In order to test for lung function, researchers used a forced expiratory volume (FEV) test. The FEV test measured how much air was exhaled by an individual. COPD patients using Relovair had increased FEV beginning on the second day and lasting until the 29th day, which showed significant lung function improvement.
Relovair will be available worldwide in the near future, pending Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. As a once-daily treatment, Relovair could be a convenient way to relieve COPD symptoms.
The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Jan Lotvall has been a consultant and received lecture fees from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Novartis and UCB Pharma.
This study was published in the January edition of the British Medical Journal.
